US20030019651A1 - Cover for preventing water from entering a junction block, junction block provided therewith and method for mounting a junction block - Google Patents
Cover for preventing water from entering a junction block, junction block provided therewith and method for mounting a junction block Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030019651A1 US20030019651A1 US10/205,149 US20514902A US2003019651A1 US 20030019651 A1 US20030019651 A1 US 20030019651A1 US 20514902 A US20514902 A US 20514902A US 2003019651 A1 US2003019651 A1 US 2003019651A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- junction block
- connector holder
- connector
- mounting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/088—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets
Definitions
- the invention relates to a cover for the upper surface of a junction block of an automotive vehicle to prevent water from entering the junction block.
- junction blocks are used in automotive vehicles to connect a plurality of electrical systems. Conventional junction blocks have merely had connection terminals in a box. However, junction blocks that have electrical functions are used widely at present. Water drops can enter a junction block in an engine compartment and can short the circuits therein. As a result, devices have been considered for preventing water from entering the junction block.
- a junction block that attempts to prevent the entrance of water is identified by the numeral 100 in FIG. 7.
- the junction block 100 has an upper surface 100 a and a waterproof sheet 105 is adhered to the upper surface 100 a .
- a wiring harness 110 has a connector 111 at one end that is fitted into a connector holder 101 in the junction block 100 for connection.
- the waterproof sheet 105 then is adhered to the upper surface 100 a of the junction block 100 to cover the upper surface 100 a of the junction block 100 , the connector holder 101 and the connector 111 to prevent water from entering the junction block.
- junction block is identified by the numeral 100 in FIG. 8 and is formed with a connection holder 101 .
- the junction block 100 is used with a wiring harness 120 that has a connector 121 held at one end by a vinyl tape 125 .
- the connector 121 is fitted into the connector holder 101 in the junction box 100 for connection.
- a waterproof sheet 115 is adhered to the wiring harness 120 and covers upper parts of the connector 121 , the connector holder 101 and the junction block 100 when the connector 121 is fitted in the connector holder 101 in the junction block 100 .
- the waterproof sheet 115 prevents the entrance of water into the connector holder 101 .
- the present invention was developed in view of the above problems and an object thereof is to facilitate connection of connectors with a junction block and to ensure that the covering of the upper surface of the junction block for a water-entrance preventing purpose is not forgotten.
- the invention is directed to a cover for preventing water from entering a junction block, such as a junction block in an automotive vehicle body.
- the junction block enables the connection of a plurality of electrical systems and has connector holders in its upper and side surfaces.
- the cover is mounted rotatably or pivotally on the junction block, and preferably is held on a bracket that mounts the junction block on the vehicle body.
- a second connector cannot be fit into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection unless the cover is rotated after a first connector is into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection.
- the connectors cannot be connected without covering the upper surface of the junction block by the cover.
- connection of the connections and the rotation of the cover need to be performed in a proper order.
- the connectors can be connected without forgetting an operation of covering the upper surface of the junction block by the cover cannot be forgotten.
- the bracket comprises a locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of the cover. Accordingly, the cover is not free to rotate during the connector connecting operation, and the connector connecting operation can be performed easily, thereby improving operation efficiency.
- the cover preferably is rotatable between two mounting portions that project from the junction block.
- the cover preferably comprises a lid for substantially covering the upper portion of the junction block and two walls projecting angularly from the lid. At least one wall and/or a portion of the lid preferably covers at least part of the connector holder in the side surface before the cover is rotated after connection of the first connector.
- the invention also relates to a method of mounting a junction block having a cover for preventing water from entering the junction block.
- the junction block can be provided in an automotive vehicle body for connecting a plurality of electrical systems and has connector holders in its upper and side surfaces.
- the method comprises rotatably or pivotally mounting the cover on the junction block, at least partly fitting a first connector into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection; rotating the cover so as to at least partly fit a second connector into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection.
- the step of mounting the cover may comprise mounting the cover on a bracket used to mount the junction block on the vehicle body.
- the rotation of the cover preferably comprises stopping the rotation by a locking mechanism at the bracket.
- the mounting of the cover may comprise mounting the cover rotatably or pivotally between two mounting portions projecting from the junction block.
- FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state where a cover 1 rotatably held on a bracket 15 covers an upper surface 10 a of a junction block 10 .
- FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cover 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the cover 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state before the cover 1 rotatably held on the bracket 15 covers the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 .
- FIG. 7 is a side view showing a prior art construction for preventing water from entering a junction block 100 .
- FIG. 8 is a side view showing another prior art construction for preventing water from entering the junction block 100 .
- a junction block in accordance with the invention is identified generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and may be one of several such junction blocks used, for example, under a front hood of an automotive vehicle.
- the junction block 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped made e.g. of a synthetic resin and formed with an upper surface 10 a and a side surface 10 b .
- First through third upper connector holders 20 , 21 and 22 open up in the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 and are configured to hold connectors, such as the connector 38 .
- First and second side connector holders 23 and 24 open laterally in the side surface 10 b of the junction block 10 and are configured to hold connectors, such as the connector 39 .
- the junction block 10 may be provided with still other connector holders, as well as unillustrated circuit board, relays, etc., and is secured to the vehicle body by a bracket 15 .
- a duct 50 for an air conditioner may extend above the junction block 10 , and water drops formed e.g. by dew condensation on an outer surface 50 a of the duct 50 may fall down on the junction block 10 .
- the fallen water drops could enter the connector holder 20 in the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 .
- the bracket 15 that secures the junction block 10 to the vehicle body is molded e.g. of a synthetic resin and is integral or unitary with the junction block 10 .
- the bracket 15 is substantially U-shaped and includes a junction block holder 16 that is substantially rectangular in plan view.
- Left and right mounting plates 17 , 18 project substantially normally from the shorter edges of the junction block holder 16 and are substantially L-shaped when viewed sideways.
- a projection 30 projects from an outer surface 17 a of the mounting plate 17 and is engageable with an engaging portion (not shown) of the vehicle body.
- a projection 31 projects from an outer surface 18 a of the mounting plate 18 and is engageable with an engaging portion (not shown) of the vehicle body.
- the mounting plate 17 is formed with a through hole 40
- the mounting plate 18 similarly is formed with a through hole 41 .
- the through holes 40 , 41 are located at the same position when viewed sideways.
- a projection 25 is provided on an inner surface 17 b of the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 and projections 26 and 27 are provided on an inner surface 18 b of the mounting plate 18 of the bracket 15 .
- the mounting plate 17 is formed with a through hole 45 separate from the through hole 40 .
- the junction block 10 also has a cover 1 , as shown in greater detail in FIGS: 4 to 6 .
- the cover 1 also has a lid 2 that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above. However, the lid 2 is bent at a position closer to one side when viewed sideways.
- a left wall 3 projects vertically down from the left end of the lid 2 in FIG. 4, and a right wall 4 projects vertically down from the right end of the lid 2 .
- the cover 1 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2).
- the left and right walls 3 , 4 have a substantially T-shape which is narrowed toward the bottom when viewed sideways, and have substantially the same shape.
- a substantially cylindrical rotatable shaft 5 projects substantially normally from the bottom end of an outer surface 3 a of the left wall 3
- a substantially cylindrical rotatable shaft 6 projects substantially normally from the bottom end of an outer surface 4 a of the right wall 4 .
- the cover 1 is made rotatable by fitting the shafts 5 , 6 into the through holes 40 , 41 formed in the mounts 17 , 18 respectively, as shown in FIG. 2.
- a projection 8 (see FIG. 4) on the left wall 3 of the cover 1 is engaged with the through hole 45 while the cover 1 is covering the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10
- Concave contact corners 11 and 12 are formed in the left wall 3 and corresponding concave contact corners 13 and 14 are formed in the right wall 4 , as shown in FIG. 4.
- the rotation of the cover 1 is stopped by the contact of the corners 11 or 12 with the projection 25 on the inner surface 17 b of the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 and by the contact of the contact corners 13 or 14 with the projection 26 on the inner surface 18 b of the mounting plate 18 of the bracket 15 .
- a substantially semicylindrical projection 8 is provided on the left wall 3 . This projection 8 engages the through hole 45 in the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 while the cover 1 is covering the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 .
- Rotation of the cover 1 is stopped before the cover 1 covers the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 , i.e. in a state where the cover 1 is standing, by contact of the contact corner 11 with the projection 25 on the bracket 15 and by the contact of the contact corner 13 with the projection 26 on the bracket 15 .
- rotation of the cover 1 is stopped in a state where the cover 1 covers the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 by contact of the contact corner 12 with the projection 25 on the bracket 15 and by the contact of the contact corner 14 with the projection 26 on the bracket 15 .
- the upwardly open connector holders 20 to 22 are substantially side by side in the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10
- the laterally open connector holders 23 , 24 are substantially side by side in an upper part of the side surface 10 b .
- the connector 38 provided at an end of a wiring harness 35 and the connector 39 provided at an end of a wiring harness 36 are fitted into the connector holders 20 , 23 , respectively.
- operations of fitting the connectors into the connector holders 20 and 23 for connection are described in detail, whereas operations of fitting connectors into the other holders are described only briefly.
- the cover 1 is standing and does not cover the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 before the connector connecting operation.
- the connector 38 at the end of the wiring harness 35 then is fitted into the connector holder 20 in the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 for connection.
- Connectors similarly are fitted into the connector holders 21 , 22 .
- the cover 1 is held stationary by the contact of the contact corner 11 on the left wall 3 of the cover 1 with the projection 25 on the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 and, although not shown, by the contact of the contact corner 13 on the right wall 4 with the projection 26 on the mounting plate 18 of the bracket 15 .
- the connector holder 23 in the side surface 10 b of the junction block 10 has an opening 23 a thereof partly covered by the cover 1 , and the connector 39 at the end of the wiring harness 36 cannot be fit into the connector holder 23 . More particularly, the connector 39 cannot be inserted into the connector holder 23 unless the cover 1 is rotated counterclockwise about the rotatable shafts 5 and 6 (see FIG. 2) to expose the opening 23 a of the connector holder 23 after the connector 38 is fitted into the connector holder 20 . This also applies to the connector holder 24 .
- the cover 1 then is rotated counterclockwise to substantially cover the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the rotation of the cover 1 is stopped by contact of the contact corner 12 on the left wall 3 of the cover 1 with the projection 25 on the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 and, although not shown, by contact of the contact corner 14 on the right wall 4 with the projection 26 on the mounting plate 18 of the bracket 15 . Consequently, the opening 23 a of the connector holder 23 is exposed.
- the projection 8 on the left wall 3 of the cover 1 engages the through hole 45 in the mounting plate 17 of the bracket 15 and, simultaneously, a portion of the right wall 4 of the cover is held tightly between the two projections 26 , 27 provided on the mounting plate 18 of the bracket 15 .
- the cover 1 has its rotation securely stopped while covering the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 .
- the connector 39 at the end of the wiring harness 36 can be fit into the connector holder 23 for connection.
- a connector similarly can be fit into the connector holder 24 for connection.
- the connector 38 at the end of the wiring harness 35 is fit into the connector holder 20 in the upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 and the unillustrated connectors are fit into the connector holders 21 , 22 .
- the cover 1 then is rotated counterclockwise, and the connector 39 at the end of the wiring harness 36 is fit into the connector holder 23 in the side surface 10 b and the unillustrated connector is fitted into the connector holder 24 .
- the connectors can be fitted into the connector holders in the junction block 10 .
- the cover 1 can substantially cover the entire upper surface 10 a of the junction block 10 .
- water drops e.g. formed on the outer surface 50 a of the duct 50 cannot enter into the connector holders 20 to 22 in the upper surface 10 a .
- the connector holders in the side surface 10 b of the junction block 10 are not exposed and, therefore, the connector 39 cannot be connected at the side surface 10 b.
- the cover is rotatably mounted on the bracket in the foregoing embodiment, it may be directly mounted on the junction block. Further, a lock may be provided on the cover itself and engaged with a projection on the mounting plate of the bracket to stop the rotation of the cover.
- the lid 2 of the cover 1 is not limited to a shape that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above and is bent at the position closer to one end when viewed sideways. The lid 2 may take any shape provided that it can prevent the water entrance from the duct or other source by covering the upper surface of the junction block.
- the cover is rotatably held on the bracket used to mount the junction block on the vehicle body, and the second connector cannot be fit into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection unless the cover is rotated after the first connector is fitted into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection.
- the cover preferably has its rotation stopped by the locking mechanism on the bracket and, thus, is not free to rotate during the connector connecting operation. Therefore, the water entrance can be prevented and operation efficiency can be improved.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a cover for the upper surface of a junction block of an automotive vehicle to prevent water from entering the junction block.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Junction blocks are used in automotive vehicles to connect a plurality of electrical systems. Conventional junction blocks have merely had connection terminals in a box. However, junction blocks that have electrical functions are used widely at present. Water drops can enter a junction block in an engine compartment and can short the circuits therein. As a result, devices have been considered for preventing water from entering the junction block.
- A junction block that attempts to prevent the entrance of water is identified by the
numeral 100 in FIG. 7. Thejunction block 100 has anupper surface 100 a and awaterproof sheet 105 is adhered to theupper surface 100 a. Awiring harness 110 has aconnector 111 at one end that is fitted into aconnector holder 101 in thejunction block 100 for connection. Thewaterproof sheet 105 then is adhered to theupper surface 100 a of thejunction block 100 to cover theupper surface 100 a of thejunction block 100, theconnector holder 101 and theconnector 111 to prevent water from entering the junction block. - Another junction block is identified by the
numeral 100 in FIG. 8 and is formed with aconnection holder 101. Thejunction block 100 is used with awiring harness 120 that has aconnector 121 held at one end by avinyl tape 125. Theconnector 121 is fitted into theconnector holder 101 in thejunction box 100 for connection. Awaterproof sheet 115 is adhered to thewiring harness 120 and covers upper parts of theconnector 121, theconnector holder 101 and thejunction block 100 when theconnector 121 is fitted in theconnector holder 101 in thejunction block 100. Thus, thewaterproof sheet 115 prevents the entrance of water into theconnector holder 101. - Water will enter the
junction block 100 of FIG. 7 if the assembler does not adhere thewaterproof sheet 105 to the upper part of thejunction block 100 after theconnector 111 is fitted into theconnector holder 101. Further, thewiring harness 120 and thewaterproof sheet 115 are formed integrally in the prior art as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, thewaterproof sheet 115 hinders the connection of theconnector 121. There is also a problem of striping off thewaterproof sheet 115 during the connecting operation. - The present invention was developed in view of the above problems and an object thereof is to facilitate connection of connectors with a junction block and to ensure that the covering of the upper surface of the junction block for a water-entrance preventing purpose is not forgotten.
- The invention is directed to a cover for preventing water from entering a junction block, such as a junction block in an automotive vehicle body. The junction block enables the connection of a plurality of electrical systems and has connector holders in its upper and side surfaces. The cover is mounted rotatably or pivotally on the junction block, and preferably is held on a bracket that mounts the junction block on the vehicle body. A second connector cannot be fit into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection unless the cover is rotated after a first connector is into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection. Thus, the connectors cannot be connected without covering the upper surface of the junction block by the cover.
- The connection of the connections and the rotation of the cover need to be performed in a proper order. Thus, the connectors can be connected without forgetting an operation of covering the upper surface of the junction block by the cover cannot be forgotten.
- The bracket comprises a locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of the cover. Accordingly, the cover is not free to rotate during the connector connecting operation, and the connector connecting operation can be performed easily, thereby improving operation efficiency.
- The cover preferably is rotatable between two mounting portions that project from the junction block.
- The cover preferably comprises a lid for substantially covering the upper portion of the junction block and two walls projecting angularly from the lid. At least one wall and/or a portion of the lid preferably covers at least part of the connector holder in the side surface before the cover is rotated after connection of the first connector.
- The invention also relates to a method of mounting a junction block having a cover for preventing water from entering the junction block. The junction block can be provided in an automotive vehicle body for connecting a plurality of electrical systems and has connector holders in its upper and side surfaces. The method comprises rotatably or pivotally mounting the cover on the junction block, at least partly fitting a first connector into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection; rotating the cover so as to at least partly fit a second connector into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection.
- The step of mounting the cover may comprise mounting the cover on a bracket used to mount the junction block on the vehicle body.
- The rotation of the cover preferably comprises stopping the rotation by a locking mechanism at the bracket.
- The mounting of the cover may comprise mounting the cover rotatably or pivotally between two mounting portions projecting from the junction block.
- These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.
- FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state where a
cover 1 rotatably held on abracket 15 covers anupper surface 10 a of ajunction block 10. - FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the
cover 1. - FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the
cover 1. - FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state before the
cover 1 rotatably held on thebracket 15 covers theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10. - FIG. 7 is a side view showing a prior art construction for preventing water from entering a
junction block 100. - FIG. 8 is a side view showing another prior art construction for preventing water from entering the
junction block 100. - A junction block in accordance with the invention is identified generally by the
numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and may be one of several such junction blocks used, for example, under a front hood of an automotive vehicle. - The
junction block 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped made e.g. of a synthetic resin and formed with anupper surface 10 a and aside surface 10 b. First through thirdupper connector holders upper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 and are configured to hold connectors, such as theconnector 38. First and secondside connector holders side surface 10 b of thejunction block 10 and are configured to hold connectors, such as theconnector 39. Thejunction block 10 may be provided with still other connector holders, as well as unillustrated circuit board, relays, etc., and is secured to the vehicle body by abracket 15. - A
duct 50 for an air conditioner may extend above thejunction block 10, and water drops formed e.g. by dew condensation on anouter surface 50 a of theduct 50 may fall down on thejunction block 10. The fallen water drops could enter theconnector holder 20 in theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10. - As shown in FIGS.1 to 3, the
bracket 15 that secures thejunction block 10 to the vehicle body (not shown) is molded e.g. of a synthetic resin and is integral or unitary with thejunction block 10. Thebracket 15 is substantially U-shaped and includes ajunction block holder 16 that is substantially rectangular in plan view. Left and right mountingplates junction block holder 16 and are substantially L-shaped when viewed sideways. - A
projection 30 projects from anouter surface 17 a of the mountingplate 17 and is engageable with an engaging portion (not shown) of the vehicle body. Similarly, aprojection 31 projects from anouter surface 18 a of the mountingplate 18 and is engageable with an engaging portion (not shown) of the vehicle body. The mountingplate 17 is formed with a throughhole 40, and the mountingplate 18 similarly is formed with a throughhole 41. The through holes 40, 41 are located at the same position when viewed sideways. Aprojection 25 is provided on aninner surface 17 b of the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 andprojections inner surface 18 b of the mountingplate 18 of thebracket 15. The mountingplate 17 is formed with a throughhole 45 separate from the throughhole 40. - The
junction block 10 also has acover 1, as shown in greater detail in FIGS: 4 to 6. Thecover 1 also has alid 2 that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above. However, thelid 2 is bent at a position closer to one side when viewed sideways. Aleft wall 3 projects vertically down from the left end of thelid 2 in FIG. 4, and a right wall 4 projects vertically down from the right end of thelid 2. Thus, thecover 1 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2). The left andright walls 3, 4 have a substantially T-shape which is narrowed toward the bottom when viewed sideways, and have substantially the same shape. A substantially cylindricalrotatable shaft 5 projects substantially normally from the bottom end of anouter surface 3 a of theleft wall 3, whereas a substantially cylindricalrotatable shaft 6 projects substantially normally from the bottom end of anouter surface 4 a of the right wall 4. Thecover 1 is made rotatable by fitting theshafts holes mounts left wall 3 of thecover 1 is engaged with the throughhole 45 while thecover 1 is covering theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 -
Concave contact corners left wall 3 and correspondingconcave contact corners - The rotation of the
cover 1 is stopped by the contact of thecorners projection 25 on theinner surface 17 b of the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 and by the contact of thecontact corners projection 26 on theinner surface 18 b of the mountingplate 18 of thebracket 15. A substantiallysemicylindrical projection 8 is provided on theleft wall 3. Thisprojection 8 engages the throughhole 45 in the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 while thecover 1 is covering theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10. - Rotation of the
cover 1 is stopped before thecover 1 covers theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10, i.e. in a state where thecover 1 is standing, by contact of thecontact corner 11 with theprojection 25 on thebracket 15 and by the contact of thecontact corner 13 with theprojection 26 on thebracket 15. Similarly, rotation of thecover 1 is stopped in a state where thecover 1 covers theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 by contact of thecontact corner 12 with theprojection 25 on thebracket 15 and by the contact of thecontact corner 14 with theprojection 26 on thebracket 15. - As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the upwardly
open connector holders 20 to 22 are substantially side by side in theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10, and the laterallyopen connector holders side surface 10 b. Theconnector 38 provided at an end of awiring harness 35 and theconnector 39 provided at an end of awiring harness 36 are fitted into theconnector holders connector holders - As shown in FIG. 6, the
cover 1 is standing and does not cover theupper surface 10 aof thejunction block 10 before the connector connecting operation. Theconnector 38 at the end of thewiring harness 35 then is fitted into theconnector holder 20 in theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 for connection. Connectors (not shown) similarly are fitted into theconnector holders cover 1 is held stationary by the contact of thecontact corner 11 on theleft wall 3 of thecover 1 with theprojection 25 on the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 and, although not shown, by the contact of thecontact corner 13 on the right wall 4 with theprojection 26 on the mountingplate 18 of thebracket 15. - In this state, the
connector holder 23 in theside surface 10 b of thejunction block 10 has anopening 23 a thereof partly covered by thecover 1, and theconnector 39 at the end of thewiring harness 36 cannot be fit into theconnector holder 23. More particularly, theconnector 39 cannot be inserted into theconnector holder 23 unless thecover 1 is rotated counterclockwise about therotatable shafts 5 and 6 (see FIG. 2) to expose theopening 23 a of theconnector holder 23 after theconnector 38 is fitted into theconnector holder 20. This also applies to theconnector holder 24. - The
cover 1 then is rotated counterclockwise to substantially cover theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the rotation of thecover 1 is stopped by contact of thecontact corner 12 on theleft wall 3 of thecover 1 with theprojection 25 on the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 and, although not shown, by contact of thecontact corner 14 on the right wall 4 with theprojection 26 on the mountingplate 18 of thebracket 15. Consequently, the opening 23 a of theconnector holder 23 is exposed. - The
projection 8 on theleft wall 3 of thecover 1 engages the throughhole 45 in the mountingplate 17 of thebracket 15 and, simultaneously, a portion of the right wall 4 of the cover is held tightly between the twoprojections plate 18 of thebracket 15. Thus, thecover 1 has its rotation securely stopped while covering theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10. In this state, theconnector 39 at the end of thewiring harness 36 can be fit into theconnector holder 23 for connection. A connector (not shown) similarly can be fit into theconnector holder 24 for connection. - As described above, the
connector 38 at the end of thewiring harness 35 is fit into theconnector holder 20 in theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 and the unillustrated connectors are fit into theconnector holders cover 1 then is rotated counterclockwise, and theconnector 39 at the end of thewiring harness 36 is fit into theconnector holder 23 in theside surface 10 b and the unillustrated connector is fitted into theconnector holder 24. In this way, the connectors can be fitted into the connector holders in thejunction block 10. - As described above, the
cover 1 can substantially cover the entireupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10. Thus, water drops e.g. formed on theouter surface 50 a of theduct 50 cannot enter into theconnector holders 20 to 22 in theupper surface 10 a. Further, unless thecover 1 is rotated to cover theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10, the connector holders in theside surface 10 b of thejunction block 10 are not exposed and, therefore, theconnector 39 cannot be connected at theside surface 10 b. - Accordingly, a step of rotating the
cover 1 to cover theupper surface 10 a of thejunction block 10 during the connector connecting operation cannot be forgotten. Further, the rotation of thecover 1 is stopped by contact with projections on thebracket 15. Thus, the connector connecting operation can be performed easily, thereby improving operation efficiency. - It should be appreciated that various changes can be made in the present invention. For example, although the cover is rotatably mounted on the bracket in the foregoing embodiment, it may be directly mounted on the junction block. Further, a lock may be provided on the cover itself and engaged with a projection on the mounting plate of the bracket to stop the rotation of the cover. The
lid 2 of thecover 1 is not limited to a shape that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above and is bent at the position closer to one end when viewed sideways. Thelid 2 may take any shape provided that it can prevent the water entrance from the duct or other source by covering the upper surface of the junction block. - As described above, the cover is rotatably held on the bracket used to mount the junction block on the vehicle body, and the second connector cannot be fit into the connector holder in the side surface of the junction block for connection unless the cover is rotated after the first connector is fitted into the connector holder in the upper surface of the junction block for connection.
- Moreover, the cover preferably has its rotation stopped by the locking mechanism on the bracket and, thus, is not free to rotate during the connector connecting operation. Therefore, the water entrance can be prevented and operation efficiency can be improved.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/459,302 US6774309B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2003-06-11 | Drainage construction of a waterproof cover of an electrical connection box |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2001226082A JP3893145B2 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2001-07-26 | Junction block water-proof cover |
JP2001-226082 | 2001-07-26 | ||
DE10232649A DE10232649A1 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2002-07-18 | Cover for junction block in vehicle, blocks engagement of connector holder with connector when in open position and engages connector with holder and also covers another set of holder and connectors when in closed position |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/459,302 Continuation-In-Part US6774309B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2003-06-11 | Drainage construction of a waterproof cover of an electrical connection box |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030019651A1 true US20030019651A1 (en) | 2003-01-30 |
US6635823B2 US6635823B2 (en) | 2003-10-21 |
Family
ID=32826154
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/205,149 Expired - Fee Related US6635823B2 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2002-07-24 | Cover for preventing water from entering a junction block |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6635823B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3893145B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10232649A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11081868B2 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2021-08-03 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Enclosure arrangements; components; and methods |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6774309B2 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2004-08-10 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Drainage construction of a waterproof cover of an electrical connection box |
US8217264B2 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2012-07-10 | Gow Thomas W | Electrical outlet covering accessory movable between positions concealing and allowing access to the outlet |
JP6594717B2 (en) * | 2015-09-17 | 2019-10-23 | 株式会社デンソーテン | Waterproof structure |
US10653030B1 (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-05-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Water ingress prevention in electronic components |
US11855429B2 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-12-26 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Electric junction box assembly with removable cover |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2891324B2 (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1999-05-17 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Waterproof seal structure of electrical junction box |
JP3006662B2 (en) * | 1994-12-28 | 2000-02-07 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Electrical junction box |
US5674090A (en) * | 1995-03-15 | 1997-10-07 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Casing for receiving electrical connection box |
JP3052843B2 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 2000-06-19 | 住友電装株式会社 | Electrical junction box |
JP3446483B2 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 2003-09-16 | 住友電装株式会社 | Electrical junction box |
US5788529A (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 1998-08-04 | General Motors Corporation | Top down electrical distribution center assembly |
JP3257469B2 (en) * | 1997-09-24 | 2002-02-18 | 住友電装株式会社 | Electrical junction box |
US6045412A (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2000-04-04 | Yazaki Corporation | Power distribution center with terminal holder |
US5995380A (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 1999-11-30 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | Electric junction box for an automotive vehicle |
US6462270B1 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2002-10-08 | Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. | Two-piece junction box cover having gutters for reducing water infiltration |
JP3831213B2 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2006-10-11 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Double wall structure of electrical junction box |
-
2001
- 2001-07-26 JP JP2001226082A patent/JP3893145B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-07-18 DE DE10232649A patent/DE10232649A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-07-24 US US10/205,149 patent/US6635823B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11081868B2 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2021-08-03 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Enclosure arrangements; components; and methods |
US11682887B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2023-06-20 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Enclosure arrangements; components; and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10232649A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
JP3893145B2 (en) | 2007-03-14 |
US6635823B2 (en) | 2003-10-21 |
JP2003047126A (en) | 2003-02-14 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP3257469B2 (en) | Electrical junction box | |
US6971888B2 (en) | Waterproof structure of electric junction box | |
JPH05251064A (en) | Cover for battery connector and cable lock thereof | |
US5868583A (en) | Electrical connection box | |
US6635823B2 (en) | Cover for preventing water from entering a junction block | |
US6774309B2 (en) | Drainage construction of a waterproof cover of an electrical connection box | |
US20030155144A1 (en) | Electric connection box for automobile | |
JP2729573B2 (en) | Drip-proof connector | |
US6052283A (en) | Storage units | |
KR19980071483A (en) | Coupler Device for Vehicle Battery | |
US7815325B2 (en) | Vehicle side mirror | |
JPH1127826A (en) | Electrical junction box for automobile | |
JP2020031517A (en) | Electric connection box | |
JP2987545B2 (en) | Fusible link block | |
JP3167571B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
JP3075151B2 (en) | Electronic control unit storage box | |
JP2001016743A (en) | Electric junction box | |
JPH0679186U (en) | Fixed structure of cover | |
JPH10341514A (en) | Electric connection box | |
JP3351293B2 (en) | Electrical junction box | |
GB2330019A (en) | Electric connection box for vehicle | |
JP3267027B2 (en) | Electrical equipment case and its manufacturing method | |
JPH10172669A (en) | Waterproof connector of electronic control unit | |
JPH10172668A (en) | Waterproof connector of electronic control unit | |
JPH11297186A (en) | Mounting structure for electric junction box |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KASAI, KOJI;HAMADA, SHUJI;TSUCHIYA, IKUTOSHI;REEL/FRAME:013286/0229 Effective date: 20020820 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20151021 |